Stars Bring in Target Perera, Sign PLU's Na

by Brandon Sparks

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TACOMA, Wash. – The Tacoma Stars have acquired Nick Perera from the Syracuse Silver Knights in exchange for future considerations. They have also signed University Place native and former Pacific Lutheran forward Eddie Na. Per team and league policies, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Perera is the current captain of the United States Beach Soccer Team and started the 2017 MASL season with the Silver Knights scoring four goals and two assists in four games. He played the 2016-2017 MASL season with the Ontario Fury scoring 17 goals and recording 16 assists in 15 games.

Perera brings vast experience to the Stars having been the Most Outstanding Offensive Player in the College Cup for UC Santa Barbara during their national championship run in 2006. From there, Perera has enjoyed a stellar indoor career for the San Diego Sockers, Milwaukee Wave, Ontario Fury, Syracuse Silver Knights, and now the Tacoma Stars. Perera has won championships in the indoor game and his experience on the Futsal and Beach National teams is unparalleled.

“Nick brings lethal target play and veteran experience to our team and we are excited to welcome him to the Tacoma Stars,” said Darren Sawatzky, Tacoma Stars Head Coach and General Manager, “We pride ourselves at being hard to play against and Nick fits this mentality while also bringing some needed target play and goal-scoring.”

After finishing his stellar career at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Eddie Na has signed his first professional contract with the Tacoma Stars. Na is no stranger to head coach Sawatzky after playing for the Sounders U23 team and the Guam National Team, both teams Sawatzky has coached. Na finished his PLU career as a 4-time NWC All-Star, the NWC Offensive Player of the Year two years running, and he was named to the NCAA D3 All West Region Team. A young, local striker with a penchant for goals, Na represents the future of the Tacoma Stars program.

“Eddie is a young, hungry striker that grows with each season and each year. He has put his time in and has a great attitude and approach. It’s time for him to start fighting for minutes and scoring goals for our team,” completed Sawatzky.

The Tacoma Stars break for the holidays but get right back to the 2017-2018 MASL season with a home tilt against division rivals Ontario Fury on Friday, January 5th at the accesso ShoWare Center.

Season ticket packages, group outings, family packs, and suite offerings for the Tacoma Stars 2017-18 season are available at 1-844-STARS-84 or visit the Stars online at www.tacomastars.com. The most up-to-date news and notes about the Stars can be found by following the Stars on Twitter (@TacomaStarsSC), Instagram (@thetacomastars), or liking the team on Facebook.